Most people know when to see a general dentist, but what about their less routine dental concerns? There are many types of specialist dentists depending on your oral care problem. To help you make decisions about specific dental concerns, we'll review the common types of dentists and dental specialists and when to see each of them. General dentists are primary care oral health providers and are one of the most common types of dentists. You can visit your general dentist to clean your teeth and perform routine dental exams.
In these tests, a general dentist will evaluate the health of your teeth and gums, and perform treatments such as tooth decay removal, root canals, and dental crowns. Your general dentist will also refer you to other types of dentists if you need services and procedures for which they are not qualified. Pediatric dental specialists offer youth-friendly approaches to routine dental care, as well as children's specific dental problems. A pedodontist will monitor the child's teeth and oral development and refer the child to an orthodontist, when needed.
Orthodontists specialize in aligning teeth and jaw, using wires, braces, retainers, and other devices. If you have an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or misaligned teeth, you may be referred to an orthodontist for correction. Periodontists help treat and repair gum diseases and problems. While a general dentist will support the prevention of gum disease, a periodontist will provide treatment (including minor surgery) for tissue damaged by progressive gum disease.
You may also be referred to a periodontist for dental implantation. When you have a dental problem, your general dentist or even your primary care doctor can refer you for any type of dentistry that they are not qualified to provide. It's important to see your general dentist at least once a year, not just for cleaning your teeth, but also for an exam that ensures your oral health. Receiving a professional opinion will help you manage any potential problems before they become a major problem.
See your general dentist right away if you have any pain in your mouth. For dental emergencies, such as a chipped tooth, falling out of a dental filling, or a dental abscess, talking to your general dentist should be the first step. When looking for a new dentist, you may come across phrases such as general, family, or cosmetic dentistry. Dentists can be orthodontists, endodontists or periodontists, etc.
Here's a quick look at these dental terms and the different types of dentists. Endodontist: specialists in root canal therapy. They have knowledge about dental pulp, nerves and blood vessels. Orthodontist: Responsible for installing braces, clear aligners, mouth guards, helmets, retainers and masks.
Orthodontists help improve bone structure and modify midfacial and jaw growth. Pediatric dentist or pedodontist: These dentists are dental care providers for children, from newborns to teens, and can provide advice on children's habits, such as thumb sucking. Periodontist: Provides surgical and non-surgical treatment of soft tissues in the mouth (periodontium), such as the gums.
